Branded Bonanza (formerly Mustang Mania) this weekend at Ford Idaho Horse Park

NAMPA, Idaho–The newly minted Branded Bonanza, formerly Mustang Mania, will take place June 28 – 29, beginning at 9:30 a.m. at the Ford Idaho Horse Park (16200 N. Idaho Center Blvd). The Bonanza will showcase both an in-hand and under saddle competition featuring nearly 50 youth and adult trainers who have adopted and worked with a wild horse or burro since March. These animals hail from overpopulated public rangelands managed by BLM in Idaho, Nev., Calif., Ore., and other western states. The trainers will now show off their progress in a series of classes, including Showmanship, Obstacle and Showcase classes.

While the trainers adopted the wild horses and burros that will be showcased the end of the month, many have decided to make their animal available for re-assignment following the event. This means that qualified adopters may have the opportunity to adopt the horse or burro and BLM staff will be on hand to assist with re-assignment paperwork. “We look forward to this event and seeing these animals progress in their training,” said Boise District Wild Horse and Burro Specialist Raul Trevino. “It’s a great opportunity for those who are interested in adopting a mustang or burro available for re-assignment to begin with an animal that has a few months of training to ease the transition for the new adopter.”

On June 30, there will be an open mustang show with a full slate of classes including Halter, Ranch, Trail and Games. Buckles will be awarded to the overall youth and adult champion, and a host of prizes are available to the high point winners of both shows.

While many training competitions exist, Branded Bonanza builds upon the success of Mustang Mania, created and hosted by Matt and Stacie Zimmerman since 2016. “The goal of this competition is not to "win," but rather offer an opportunity for the trainer to improve their horsemanship and the horse or burro to gain the skills they need to be successful in their new, domestic life,” said Branded Bonanza Outreach and Education Coordinator Ann Souders.  “Our sincere hope is for the trainers to have fun as part of this competition and to come out of it with a sense of accomplishment and renewed love of America's wild horses and burros. Why? Because that is what will ensure growth in our community, growth in adoptions, and the BLM's ability to sustainably manage our wild horse and burro herds.”

For more information about the Branded Bonanza event, please contact Matt at 541- 212-0035 or Stacie at 208-867-8203.

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